Most Popular Giant Dog Breeds That Make Good Pets Cost is a factor to consider before getting a giant dog. Dog food , pet supplies , and veterinary preventive products usually cost significantly more money for the largest dogs. Next, you need to make sure you have the space for such a massive dog. You don't necessarily need a huge yard, but your home needs to have enough space to put a giant dog bed. Also, there needs to be enough space for your dog to comfortably move around. Think about the span of a giant dog's tail and the damage it can cause by accident! Pet waste is another factor to consider. A giant dog has giant stools and you will need to clean them up. In addition, many giant dogs also have a tendency to slobber a lot. Many owners need to carry around extra supplies of "drool rags" and poop bags. Finally, one of the most difficult parts of falling in love with a giant dog breed is the fact that they typically have much shorter life spans than the average dog. Many giant dog breeds only live until 7-10 years of age. The average lifespan of dogs is about 12-15 years, and smaller breeds can live even longer.

Whether or not a giant dog is the right dog for you , it's still fun to learn about these massive beauties. Here are some of the largest dogs on earth and the most popular giant dog breeds around. Beanstock Images / Getty Images Great Dane One might argue that this huge and majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Either way, the beautiful Great Dane is sure to stand out in a crowd. But it is more than appearance that makes this breed stand out. The personality of the Great Dane is unforgettable. These dogs are gentle, playful, friendly and incredibly loyal. The Great Dane is a native of Germany that was developed as a boar hunter and, later, a watchdog. Great Danes weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds and about 28-30 (or more) inches tall. More » Relaxed English mastiff. Getty Images/Cappi Thompson Mastiff Considered the largest of all dog breeds, the English Mastiff's name seems to fit its best descriptions: massive. This giant dog breed is all brawn and power on the outside, but deep down it is a lovable, mushy companion--and often a bit of a couch potato!

These dogs can top the scales at 220 pounds and be 30 or more inches tall. However, it looks like a large percentage of the weight is in their huge heads. Some considerations if you are thinking about getting a Mastiff: You'll likely need to carry around a "drool-rag" and duck when a head shake comes on. You'll need to protect people and objects from that massive tail (and protect the tail itself from damage). More » Leonberger dog with tongue hanging out. Getty Images/Marla Rutherford Leonberger The Leonberger is a beautiful, massive working dog with a kind and gentle disposition. Though it is not an extremely common breed, the Leo has its own following, and for good reason. This breed is known to bond closely with its family and seems to have a kind of intuition when it comes to human emotions. Because of this, they make excellent family members and also superb therapy dogs . They are gigantic yet gentle with incredibly soft coats. If you love giant dogs with even bigger hearts, have the room for a 120- to 170-pound dog, and can exercise him daily, then you might have found your match. The Leonberger originates from Leonberg, Germany.

More » Close up of Bull Mastiff dog. Getty Images/Corey Hochachka Bullmastiff The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks. Today's Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog , but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite a powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with its family members. However, the Bullmastiff's tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. Like its cousin, the Mastiff, be prepared for slobber. Weighing from 100-130 pounds and 24 to 27 inches tall, there's plenty to love about these big sweeties. More » Boy hugging black Newfoundland. Getty Images/Ariel Skelley Newfoundland Newfoundlands are not only loving companions, they are also amazing workers. With their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coats, they evolved into perfect water dogs.

They originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland where, for centuries, they have worked alongside fisherman and saved numerous people from drowning. It's simply in their nature to assist and protect people, but always with a gentle spirit. It is for these reasons that the Newfie is also an ideal family pet. He will watch over and play with the children, he learns well and seems eager to please. He's cuddly yet athletic. If you have the room for a 100- to 150-pound dog that's 26 to 28 inches tall and will never let you down, then a Newfie might be the one for you. More » Photo © Oni Saints on flickr Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard is a legendary hero of the Swiss Alps. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs , the tales about barrels of alcohol hanging from their necks are actually folklore. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard's history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many. The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions.

The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film "Beethoven" and its many sequels. Most Saint Bernards weight around 130-180 pounds and are about 26-27 inches tall. More » Photo © StBrecht / Wikimedia Commons Dogue de Bordeaux The Dogue de Bordeaux is a huge, lovable, slobbery hunk of dog. This massive canine with a giant head may look fierce, but the breed is usually extremely loyal, goofy and gentle. However, the Dogue is also a quite capable guard dog. Sometimes called the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux originated from France and has been around for ages. However, the breed was not officially recognized by the AKC until 2008. The Dogue de Bordeaux is probably best remembered as the slobbery but lovable giant dog in the film "Turner and Hooch", where the breed was accurately presented. Dogues typically weigh about 100 to 150 pounds and are 23 to 27 inches tall. More » Great Pyrenees dog.

Getty Images/John Elk III Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees is a massive and regal dog that is both powerful worker and gentle companion. Among the oldest of dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes. Pyrs were once beloved by French royalty and nobles. Perhaps this is because of their diligence combined with calm, gentle dispositions. Their beauty and grace were surely a reason as well. Like most puppies and adolescent dogs, young Pyrs are very active. It takes training and patience to end up with a stoic, well-behaved adult dog. Fortunately, the intelligent Pyr is a fast learner. Above all, this dog is a worker that needs plenty of exercise . This breed typically does well with children and other pets and may weigh up to 150 pounds. More » Irish Wolfhound running across grass. Getty Images/Gerard Brown Irish Wolfhound The Irish Wolfhound , as its name implies, hails from Ireland, but the breed's roots can actually be traced back to Roman records from the fourth century.

Historically, Irish Wolfhounds have been regal, noble canines that bravely fought in battle, fiercely hunted wolves, loyally guarded homes and acted as steadfast companions. Though in modern times the breed is primarily seen as a companion alone, the personality in much the same. This is a Greyhound -type breed and is, therefore, athletic, graceful and fast. Weighing up to 180 pounds and standing at as much as 34 inches tall, this is an immense and powerful dog breed. Irish Wolfhounds need more space and exercise than some of the other giant breeds and generally do not thrive in small spaces. Neapolitan mastiff lying down. Getty Images/Martin Harvey Neapolitan Mastiff The Neapolitan Mastiff is right up there with its cousin, the Mastiff when it comes to size. Weighing up to 200 pounds and at a height of up to 31 inches, this dog breed is a true giant. The Neo is an Italian breed with ancient roots that can be traced back to the Roman army's dogs of war. They were later developed as estate guard dogs.

Also called the Mastino, the Neo has a unique appearance, the result of years of inbreeding. This breed is known for its distinct wrinkles and loose skin, massive bone, and notable lumbering gait. Today's Neapolitan Mastiff remains loyal and protective of its family. A generally mellow and gentle dog, the Neo shows its tough side when protection is needed. 9 of the world's largest dog breeds | MNN - Mother Nature Network 9 of the world's largest dog breeds From tallest to heaviest, these are the biggest breeds of dog found around the globe. 2.4K Out of the hundreds of breeds found around the world, some qualify as a 'giant breed.' (Photo: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock) The range of size, shape, color, personality and purpose for which dogs are bred is jaw-dropping. Over centuries, different dogs in different geographic locations have been honed by humans to play certain roles, from hunter to guardian, from herder to companion. For some of these breeds, size has been a significant player in the search for perfection, whether that was to hunt bigger or faster game or guard a home with more intimidation, or even just to have the mass to survive in freezing locations.

Of the hundreds of dog breeds around the world, here are nine of the largest. 1. Great Dane On average, Great Danes stand around 28-30 inches tall. (Photo: Elsa Hoffmann/Shutterstock) We'll start with the breed that is widely recognized as the largest, at least in terms of height . The Great Dane is a breed of German origin and its German name of Deutsche Dogge, means German mastiff. However, before setting down official roots in Germany, the dogs that eventually became the Great Dane breed came from a crossbreed between English mastiffs and Irish wolfhounds. Though they aren't the heaviest dogs, reaching around 100-120 pounds, they are among the tallest. The average Great Dane stands around 28-30 inches tall but often they can be taller. The world record holder for tallest dog was a Great Dane named Zeus who stood an astounding 44 inches tall. However, these big dogs trade longevity for their size, and live only to be between 6 to 8 years old. Zeus died of old age at just 5 years old.

Though the Great Dane is typically considered the largest of all dog breeds, we're going to look at a few other breeds that give this one a run for its money, including one breed that is actually even taller. For a better understanding of its height, this Great Dane poses with a small dog standing under her. (Photo: Dmussma/Shutterstock) 2. Neapolitan mastiff This breed comes in several colors including black, blue, mahogany and tawny. (Photo: Stanimir G.Stoev/Shutterstock) Mastiff breeds are certainly among the largest dogs in terms of sheer mass. The Neapolitan mastiff originated in southern Italy . Used as a guard dog, the average male mastiff stands between 26-31 inches tall and weighs a hefty 130-155 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller, standing a few inches shorter and weighing 110-130 pounds. This breed is known for being fearless and protective of home and family, making it an ideal guard dog — but not an ideal warning system. Mastiffs tend to be quiet, and are known for sneaking up on intruders rather than barking to warn them off.

Because of the breed's protective nature, you certainly don't want to stand between these dogs and their family, which makes this dog a breed only for owners well versed in dog training and able to put in the extensive time needed for socialization. 3. Scottish Deerhound Built similar to a greyhound but heavier, the deerhound breed is meant for speed. (Photo: Adam Singer /flickr) Going back to the leggy breeds, the Scottish deerhound gives away its purpose and origin in its name. Originating in Scotland well before recorded history, the breed is a courser, once used to hunt red deer and easily chasing down its prey. They are larger and heavier than greyhounds but are built similarly, with a lanky body meant for speed. Deerhounds can stand as tall as 32 inches and weigh as much as 110 pounds. Though they aren't used for deer hunting today, the breed is kept alive by enthusiasts who use them for show and in some places, lure coursing. The deerhound requires a great deal of exercise, especially when young. (Photo: Adam Singer /flickr) 4. Dogue de Bordeaux You may recognize this mug.

The Dogue de Bordeaux was the breed of dog that starred across from Tom Hanks in the film 'Turner and Hooch.' (Photo: otsphoto/Shutterstock) The Dogue de Bordeaux goes by several other names, including the Bordeaux mastiff, French mastiff and Bordeauxdog. But this breed, by any other name, still stands as massive. Though other breeds, from the poodle and French bulldog to the Great Pyrenees and Basset hound may be more famous breeds of French origin, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient breeds of France. The Dogue de Bordeaux stands between 23-27 inches tall and weighs between 125-150 pounds. But though it is fairly average as far as mastiff breeds go, it does have one thing that sets it apart: It is reported to have the largest head of any canine in relation to body size. Unlike the Neapolitan mastiff, the Bordeauxdog has been used for more than simply guarding house and home, though that was also in its job description. These dogs also were used for everything from watching over flocks to pulling carts .

It has historically been a true working dog and a jack of all trades — at least, as far as dogs go. The breed is active and energetic outdoors, but once inside is, well, mellow to say the least. If you're a Bordeauxdog owner and wondering if you should let your pet sleep on the bed, the answer is: Only if you don't mind sleeping somewhere else. (Photo: Vitaly Titov & Maria Sidelnikova/Shutterstock) 5. Newfoundland With heavy bones and big muscles, the Newfoundland is a powerful swimmer and a great water rescue dog. (Photo: Yan Wen/Shutterstock) The Newfoundland is a working dog from, you guessed it, Newfoundland. Unlike many larger breeds, the Newfie wasn't bred to be a guard dog. Instead, its purpose was originally to help fishermen . The big, muscular dogs are able to haul nets and lines from boats, pull carts and, most importantly, fetch anything that falls overboard, including people. The breed is an exceptional water dog and strong swimmer, and there have been many rescues of people out at sea credited to these big, gentle-natured dogs.

Newfoundland dogs stand between 27-30 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds. They look even bigger because of their thick double coat, which keeps them warm even in icy water. 6. English mastiff English mastiffs have set the record for heaviest dog ever recorded. (Photo: Kachalkina Veronika/Shutterstock) The English mastiff is enormous. Growing to a height of 30 inches, these dogs can weigh as much as 250 pounds. As a Great Dane holds the record for tallest dog, an English mastiff holds the record for heaviest. The biggest weight for a dog ever recorded was an English mastiff named Aicama Zorba , who weighed in at 343 pounds. Their size is a significant part of the breed's past purpose, which included blood sports such as baiting bears, bulls and lions . Today, however, they are simply gentle giants, letting those courageous and fearless aspects of the breed's temperament sit on the back burner while the mellow, even-tempered and loyal sides come forward. They can make excellent family dogs as they are so easy-going. So if your kids are asking for either a dog or a pony, well...

it's not like size should factor into your decision: As size goes, these dogs need about as much room as a miniature horse! (Photo: Kachalkina Veronika/Shutterstock) 7. Saint Bernard Saint Bernards are big, fluffy and easy-going companions. (Photo: Rita Kochmarjova/Shutterstock) The Saint Bernard of brandy-toting fame is a breed originally created in the Swiss Alps and northern Italy as a rescue dog. The monks of the Saint Bernard Hospice are credited with training dogs for rescue and for playing a role in developing the breed we know today. Dogs can stand between 25-30 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 140 to 180 pounds . Though they were originally used as rescue dogs to find and save travelers, today's Saint Bernards are mostly family dogs. They are famous for being gentle, loving, friendly and great with children. They are also apparently great with kittens, too: Saint Bernards are known for their gentle giant nature. (Photo: Rita Kochmarjova/Shutterstock) 8. Leonberger A cross of three breeds created the beautiful Leonberger.

(Photo: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock) If the Leonberger reminds you of a Newfoundland mixed with a Saint Bernard, it should. That's exactly how the breed originated. In the mid-1840s, Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany, crossed a Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard for four generations, then added in a Pyrenean Mountain Dog to the mix . The result of these several generations of breeding is the Leonberger. This breed stands between 27-31 inches tall and can weigh as much as 170 pounds. But despite their size, they are simply giant family dogs. Though their main purpose is as a companion animal, the breed does very well in everything from water rescue to tracking to herding. If it is an activity that requires both strength and smarts, the Leonberger is probably going to be good at it. 9. Irish Wolfhound The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed dating back many thousands of years. (Photo: Marcel Jancovic/Shutterstock) Like the Scottish deerhound, the Irish wolfhound was bred to be a courser, and was indeed originally used to chase down wolves.

Developed from war hounds into a dog used for hunting and guarding, the Irish wolfhound is ancient and may have been brought to Ireland as far back as 7000 B.C. Though their primary use was hunting, today's dogs are fairly quiet and reserved, intelligent and easygoing. This breed is the tallest of all dogs, even the Great Dane . According to breed standards, the minimum height should be 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. That's just the minimum. Males often stand as tall as 34-35 inches and weigh upwards of 140 pounds. And though the English mastiff is as tall as a miniature horse, the Irish wolfhound is equal to a donkey. The wolfhound wins by inches as the tallest dog breed. (Photo: DragoNika/Shutterstock) Great Dane "To err is human, to forgive, canine." Author Unknown Great Dane The Great Dane, Danish Hound, or German Mastiff, is a breed of domestic dog (Latin: canis familiaris) known for its giant size and gentle personality. The breed is commonly referred to as the "Gentle giant" and the "Apollo of all breeds".

Great Danes are considered one of the tallest dog breeds along with the Irish Wolfhound. More recently, Great Danes have been in the Guinness World Records for tallest dog. The Great Dane was named the state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965. Appearance The male should appear more massive throughout than the bitch, with larger frame and heavier bone. In the ratio between length and height, the Great Dane should be square. In bitches, a somewhat longer body is permissible, providing she is well proportioned to her height. Coarseness or lack of substance are equally undesirable. The male shall not be less than 30 inches (75 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that he be 32 inches or more (>80 cm), providing he is well proportioned to his height. The female shall not be less than 28 inches (70 cm) at the shoulders, but it is preferable that she be 30 inches or more (>75 cm), providing she is well proportioned to her height. Danes under minimum height must be disqualified. Males must weigh a minimum of 120 lbs (54.5 kg).

In August 2004, a Great Dane named "Gibson" from Grass Valley, California was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest dog, measuring 107 cm (42.2 in) at the withers[6]. It is not in the best interest of the breed to attempt to achieve the "tallest" dog. Breeding for height will sacrifice structure and confirmation in the Great Dane and produce dogs that are unsound. Coat colors There are six show-acceptable coat colors for Great Danes: • Fawn: The color is yellow gold with a blue mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows, and may appear on the ears and tail tip. • Brindle: The color is fawn and black in a chevron stripe pattern. Often also they are referred to as a tiger-stripe pattern. • Blue: The color is a pure steel blue. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. • Black: The color is a glossy black. White markings at the chest and toes are not desirable. • Harlequin: The base color is pure white with black torn patches irregularly and well distributed over the entire body; a pure white neck is preferred.

The black patches should never be large enough to give the appearance of a blanket, nor so small as to give a stippled or dappled effect. Eligible, but less desirable, are a few small grey patches (this grey is consistent with a Merle marking) or a white base with single black hairs showing through, which tend to give a salt and pepper or dirty effect. • Mantle (in some countries referred to as Bostons due to the similar coloration & pattern as a Boston Terrier): The color is black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional; whole white collar preferred; a white chest; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking in the black blanket is acceptable, as is a break in the white collar. Other colors occur occasionally but are not acceptable for conformation showing, and they are not pursued by breeders. These colors include white, fawnequin, merle, merlequin, fawn mantle, and others. These are sometimes advertised as "rare" colors to unsuspecting buyers.

Any coat that includes "mouse grey" (merle) is disqualified from show. Cropping of the ears is common in the United States and much less common in Europe. In some European countries such as the UK, Denmark, Germany, parts of Australia, and in New Zealand, the practice is banned, or controlled in such that it may only be performed by veterinary surgeons for health reasons. The original purpose of Ear Cropping was to cut the ears so that wolves and wild boar (often the objective of great dane hunts) would not be able to grab a hold of the ear. Now, however, it is used to obtain a more regal or majestic look in showdogs. The original ear cropping can be seen on the pictures above. Temperament The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance belies its friendly nature; the breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, wild animals, and humans (including strangers and children). Some Great Danes — as with dogs of any breed — may have dominance issues, may be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, or chase small animals; however, this is quite rare.

Other names: Grand Danois, (Old French: "Great Dane" the modern French is Dogue Allemand ("German Dog"), Deutsche Dogge ("German Dog"), Dänischer Hund ("Danish Hound") Nicknames: Dane, Gentle Giant Yowzers! Check out the 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World In this category: dogs video capybara cats Other Links: Most Popular Videos Yowzers! Check out the 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World Mastiffs, Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands lead the way as the heaviest dog breeds in the world. Check out the full list of the 10 biggest. March 1, 2012 Some people ask us which dog breed is “the largest of them all.” The answer is tricky. Considering the largest by weight, the winner would be a close call between the English mastiff and the Saint Bernard. An English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba weighed in at a whopping 343 pounds in 1989, setting a world record. However, the Guinness World Records weight category for dogs has since been discontinued, in favor of largest dog as measured by height.

I guess they didn’t want to encourage obese dogs. In determining the largest breed of dog by height, the Great Dane could well be the winner. (A 6-year-old Great Dane hailing from Arizona currently holds the Guinness World Record for tallest dog ever. Giant George stands an incredible 43 inches from ground to shoulder!) You can read more about this record-holding dog in an upcoming book, due out in April. When I think of “biggest,” I think “heaviest.” So here is my list of the 10 biggest dog breeds in the world, based on average weight. 1. English Mastiff This is one of the largest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. A powerful but gentle and loyal companion, he loves being around people and thrives on family bonding. Because of his enormous size, the English Mastiff is best suited for country living, where he can enjoy lots of space to strut his majestic pride. Average weight: 175 pounds Average lifespan: 8 years 2. Saint Bernard This breed also seems to prefer the country life. While looking powerful and having a muscular build, they have a gentle temperament.

Also, just for the record, there’s no such thing as a dry-mouthed Saint Bernard — drooling is one of their favorite pasttimes. Average weight: 160 Related: What’s in the Barrel Around a Saint Bernard’s Neck? 3. Neapolitan Mastiff With massive head, bone and body, this breed’s trademark is the loose skin covering their bodies and the many wrinkles and folds on their heads. Because of their strength and temperament, these dogs are not recommended for families with young children or for first-time dog owners. Neapolitans need daily exercise, with care taken not to let them over-exert in hot weather. Average weight: 150 pounds Average lifespan: 8 years 4. Newfoundland Newfies are known as “gentle giants” or “nanny dogs.” Although this breed is large, their sweet disposition makes them a great choice for a family pet. An incredibly loyal dog, he will need your loyalty as well, in making sure he gets his daily exercise. Read our Newfoundland breed profile for more. Average weight: 140 pounds Average lifespan: 8 years 5. Leonberger Although it has the looks of a lion, this breed is quite graceful in movement.

Very friendly toward children, Leonbergers adapt easily to any situations, showing no fear, shyness or aggression. Read our Leonberger breed profile for more. Average weight: 130 pounds Average lifespan: 8 years 6. Great Dane Another “gentle giant,” this breed is referred to as the “king of dogs.” They exhibit a friendly, energy-filled personality and make great family pets. However, please remember that as with all dogs great or small, supervision around young children is a must. Read our Great Dane breed profile for more. Average weight: 120 pounds Average lifespan: 9 years 7. Irish Wolfhound The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, this is a greyhound-like breed — muscular and strong, yet elegantly built. They combine their power and swiftness with keen eyesight. Average weight: 120 pounds Average lifespan: 9 years 8. Bullmastiff This breed is very smart and has a desire to please, making them great protectors (although they don’t bark much) and family companions. Fearless and confident, they make natural guardians for your home. They are also wonderful in obedience, tracking and therapy work.

Average weight: 120 pounds Average lifespan: 9 years 9. Great Pyrenees Named for the mountain range in southwestern Europe, this large dog breed is used to guard flocks on steep slopes. Confidence, affection and gentleness make this an honorable companion dog. Among their good qualities are intelligence, excellent sight and incredible scenting abilities. Average weight: 110 pounds What are some gentle giant dogs? | Reference.com What are some gentle giant dogs? A: Quick Answer The Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, and Newfoundlands are six gentle giant dogs that can adapt well to many different types of families. These big dogs range from about 28 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder. Full Answer The Newfoundland tops out at 28 inches at the shoulders, weighs up to 150 pounds and is a working dog that doesn't mind children climbing all over it and pulling on ears. Greater Swiss Mountain dogs also stand around 28 inches at the shoulder, while the Bernese is slightly shorter and has longer hair. Both require a lot of activity and benefit from good training, and they are very sweet and enjoy the company of family.

A Saint Bernard can top the scale at up to 200 pounds, but these dogs have been bred for a gentle disposition for centuries. With longer hair, the Saint Bernard requires plenty of grooming and, as with all large dogs, requires plenty of room to exercise and run. Great Danes can measure up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 140 pounds. They are extremely lovable and loving, but they need to be trained well to prevent destructive behavior. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed at up to 35 inches at the shoulder. Requiring lots of play, Irish Wolfhounds are an even-tempered, calm and affectionate breed. Top 10 Tallest Dog Breeds in the World | Top 1 US Home » Tallest » Top 10 Tallest Dog Breeds in the World Top 10 Tallest Dog Breeds in the World Sunday, October 28th 2012. | Tallest Dogs are pets of the most widely preserved throughout the world. We have collected some data about them. This is a list of top 10 tallest dog breeds in the world. 10.

Kuvasz (65-76 cm) Kuvasz Kuvasz usually wears a white coat, odorless and bumpy texture. Men Kuvasz is usually greater at 70-76 cm compared with women Kuvasz, which is usually 65-70 cm or 26-28 inches. 9. Caucasian mountain dog (67-75 cm) Caucasian mountain dog Caucasian mountain dog is another typical dog where women are usually smaller than males. Caucasian mountain dog females grow a maximum of between 67-70cm and males grow 72-75 cm max. Male Caucasian smallest ever found is 68 cm or 27 inches 8. Swiss mountain dog Swiss mountain dog Swiss mountain dogs are recognized for their long bodies that reach from 25.5 to 28.5 inches for male dogs after they mature. Females are shorter, up to their shoulders, the Swiss Mountain dog has a length of 23.5 to 27 inches. 7.

Scottish deerhound Scottish deerhound Scottish deerhound the highest ranged from 28 to 32 inches and their weight ranging from 75 to 110 pounds. 6. Borzoi Borzoi Borzoi not only high but also stocky. Most have high Borzois 26-28 inches and they weigh almost 100 pounds. 5. Anatolian Sheppard Anatolian Sheppard Anatolian Sheppard has a height from 28 inches and the highest among them is 30 inches. Average weight of Anatolian Sheppard is about 100 to 150 pounds. 4. English mastiff English mastiff English Mastiff is a large breed and they can weigh 130 to 200 pounds when full grown. Almost the same as the Anatolian Sheppard, Mastiff can reach a height of 30 inches. 3. St. Bernard St. Bernard St. Bernard is a type of giant dog and a favorite of many pet lovers, dog St.Bernard is one of the largest dog breed in the market.

High is around 27 to 35 inches with a weight of 160 to 240 pounds. 2. Great Dane Great Dane Great Dane is ranked second to the world’s tallest dog. From the withers, Great Dane reached 28 to 32 inches. In addition to high, the Great Dane is also stocky and heavy. These dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds 100-150. 1. Irish Wolfhound Irish Wolfhound Talk about tall, Irish wolf dog is a champion at the highest classification of dog breed. From the withers, Wolfhound can reach 31 to 34 inches and they can weigh up to 110-180 pounds. Irish wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world. The Biggest Dogs in the World - There Be Giants | The Ark In Space The Biggest Dogs in the World - There Be Giants Image Credit Flickr User Douglas Brown Let’s face it, some people like their pets big! If you are looking for a large dog there are a number of breeds which are generally referred to as giants.

Be careful, though – you should only consider these breeds if you have lots of space, lots of time and quite a deal of money. The Ark in Space takes a look at the giants of the canine world. The English Mastiff Image Credit Flickr User Claudio Genari The English Mastiff, in terms of mass is the big daddy of all dogs and its dimensions particularly that of the male are something to be believed. Every inch of this dog gives off strength and power – if the planet Krypton had a dog then this would probably be it. The world record holding breed for weight, this dog can weigh up to two hundred and fifty pounds for a male and around fifty pounds less than a female. The breed has been around for a long time – the name probably derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful –masty. It is generally recognized to be the oldest dog breed in the UK. Image Credit Flickr User Fotosuabe The dog is often used to guard, but makes a wonderful domestic pet as well. It is said that the face gives away the character if the dog and that is the case with the English Mastiff.

It is very affectionate to its owners but combines both courage and dignity and will protect its owner from unfamiliar people with a polite but determined maneuver which puts the dog between the stranger and its owner. It is great with children and smaller dogs and will become firmly attached to the family unit to which it is introduced. A surprisingly gentle dog, it does have a tendency towards laziness if left to its own devices to a program of daily, regular and prolonged exercise is recommended to keep it in trim. There are no Medifast coupons for dog diets. The Great Dane Image Credit Flickr user Laertes The Irish Wolfhound (see below) usually takes the prize as the world’s tallest dog but the record at the moment is with a Great Dane by the name of Gibson who is a staggering 42.3 inches tall – a good ten inches taller than the average English Mastiff. As such the Great Dane is known as the ‘Apollo of all breeds’ and its history is thought to go back (perhaps) three thousand years. There are drawings on Egyptian tombs from this period that strongly resemble the Great Dane. The modern breed is thought to originate in either Denmark (hence the name) or, most likely Germany.

Toon lovers will of course know the breed as the Scooby Doo dog! Image Credit Flickr User TangoPango The breed comes in a variety of colors from the common fawn and brindle to the harlequin which is a white coat with black tear patches over the entire body (a white neck is particularly sought out by owners – see Stella above). Although it is intimidatingly tall the Great Dane has an extremely friendly temperament and get on well with people, other dogs (and other pets!) alike. Some Great Danes can have certain dominance issues, which is true of pretty much each and every species of dog – and of course, supervision around young kids is essential. The Great Dane has a slow metabolism and needs a great deal of exercise to keep it in trim. A common misconception is that they do not need a lot of exercise as they generally plod along in a fairly docile way. The opposite is true – they need lots. Great Danes do suffer from some breed specific disorders and can sometimes be born blind, deaf or both.

The Irish Wolfhound Image Credit Flickr User sighthound It does what it says on the packet – the Irish Wolfhound is so called because the breed originated for that very purpose, not, as many assume in its twenty first century family member role because it actually looks lupine. Although they are not the world record holder for the height of a single dog, they most certainly are on average. The male is usually between 33 to 36 inches and the female two to three inches shorter. They are not naturally inclined to guard (they were designed to hunt) but their sheer size would probably put any burglar off his task. They are also way too friendly – the chances are the Wolf Hound is more likely to approach the burglar as his new best friend than to deter him from his goal. Image Credit Flickr User SheilaKane As such the Irish Wolfhound, more than many giant dogs can be trusted with children. They will also put up with quite a lot of ear and tail pulling (if your kids can reach) with patience and a sweet temper. They are very open to training and are of a generous and caring nature.

They will – if you are out walking with them and are attacked – pretty much see off your attacker: despite their reluctance to guard they will be fearless if you are threatened. The great shame is that they are not long lived and at maximum you can hope for ten years. As with other dogs of this size they do need a lot of exercise and although originally a country dog they do take to urban living pretty well. The Scottish Deerhound Image Credit Flickr User Galif548 Otherwise simply known as a Deerhound this lesser known giant breed looks like a rough coated greyhound but it is their size which distinguishes them. The history of the breed goes back to pre-Roman times and it is thought that the Scots and the Picts kept this breed to hunt deer (hence the name!). These dogs are about the friendliest you will ever meet and so, like the Irish Wolfhound, is not the best dog if you want something to guard your home. They are very eager to please and their gentle bearing means that they are loved the world over by their owners.

When young, though Deerhounds get bored extremely easily and have a sort of canine ADHD which means that if you do not exercise them sufficiently you will probably come home to find your house looking like a burglar really has been there. Image Credit Flickr User me'nthedogs Living up to eleven years, these dogs like nothing more than spending the day stretched out or sleeping on your largest couch. However, it must be exercised regularly and properly and although it enjoys the company of humans this is a breed that really needs a companion with its own DNA in order to be fully happy. In other words, this dog can pine on its own but will be perfectly happy in a pair. Like all the other breeds in this article they are fine with children but should be supervised with small ones as, due to their size, they can inadvertently knock toddlers down which will distress both dog and child. The Newfoundland Image Credit Flickr User BlackburnPhoto This dog just loves the water. In fact they have been used for water rescue due partly to their musculature and also due to the fact that they have webbed feet – the combination of which makes them fantastic swimmers. They have a wonderful disposition and are very loving animals.

One of the easier dogs to housebreak, they are quite daffy animals and are about as laid back as a dog can get. The downside is that they have to be groomed at least once a week otherwise their gorgeous coat will become tangled. ImageCredit Flickr User Vigneron Image Credit Flickr User Blackburn Photo They are thought to be the strongest dogs in the world, beating all of the others on this list. They also make great watch dogs and are just about the best breed in the world when it comes to children – they really are the gentle giant of the dog world. Lord Byron said this about his Newfoundland (or Newfie as they are known) after it died. ‘Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.’ The St Bernard Image Credit Flickr User ATIS547 Originally a working dog, the St Bernard originates in the Swiss Alps where it was used in Mountain Rescue.

It is a very large dog and can grow up to thirty six inches in height with a coat that can be both rough or smooth. They make wonderful pets but it is vital that thorough training takes place when the dog is young as they can be boisterous and need to be ready to take commands and be willingly controlled. Image Credit Flickr User Niq Scott They are good with kids as long as the above is taken in to account. If you are looking for a dog for protection they are not the ideal choice. They will bark at intruders but that is about it – though of course their sheer size (like other dogs here) will probably act as a deterrent. If it were not for the St Bernard we might not have the soccer team Manchester United. In 1902 the team was about to go bankrupt and so held a fundraiser. The Captain of the team, Harry Stafford, brought his St Bernard and it drew the attention of JH Davis – an extremely wealthy brewery magnate. Davis wanted to buy the dog which Stafford refused. However, he did silver tongue Davis in to buying the entire club.

The Leonberger Image Credit Flickr User nutmeg66 From Leonberg in south west Germany this dog was bred – according to local legend – as a symbol of the lion in the crest of the town. So it is that this most leonine of dogs came in to being and the breed is gorgeous. The dog is extremely large but has an air of European elegance about it which makes it popular in well to do households. The male usually carries a lion like mane and they can reach up to thirty inches in height. Image Credit Flickr User nutmeg66 This is a very cool dog – almost unflappable – and unlike most of the dogs on this list the Leonberger can be used as a guard dog – albeit a mild one. When in a tight spot the Leonberger will use his size and weight to protect his owner rather than his teeth. This makes the breed sound a little aggressive but the Leonberger will imprint deeply and quickly on to his adopted human family. A very agile dog, the Leonberger needs a lot of exercise and often astounds it owners by its athleticism, especially considering the size of the breed.

Until properly trained the dog can be a little like the St Bernard – over energetic and somewhat willful but after the third year usually calms down and becomes the gentle giant that this breed is known to be. The Neapolitan Mastiff Image Credit Flickr User CowCopTim This dog has history! Often used as a guard dog, its breed goes way back to the time of the Roman legions – it is just a shame there weren’t a few in the Gladiator movie. It seems that they were trained up by Roman Legions to fight alongside them. They wore harnesses upon which were sewn in spikes and blades. The Neapolitan Mastiff would then run under the horses of the enemy horses and disembowel them. They don’t do that today. Image Credit Flickr User CowCopTim If you want a fearless guard dog that also really does prefer to be with the family rather than outside in a kennel then this could be the dog for you. However, it is not a dog for beginners and is not appropriate if you have small children. Proper training, because of its size, is paramount. If you think the ‘alpha roll’ training method will work on this breed, think again.

Unless the dog is thoroughly socialized and trained they will be aggressive to strangers and other dogs in to adulthood. Big Dogs That Are Actually Big Softies | more.com Big Dogs That Are Actually Big Softies Big Dogs That Are Actually Big Softies Mark Twain once said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog." In the case of dogs that weigh 75 pounds or more, looks can be especially deceiving. These giant breeds may appear intimidating, but beneath their formidable statures lie even bigger hearts. By Vicki Santillano Pin It It’s hard not to feel a little frightened by Great Danes, which stand at around thirty inches and weigh as much as 160 pounds on average. But personality-wise, they’re affectionate, great around kids, usually good with other animals, and generally sweet-natured. Irish Wolfhound Pin It Photo courtesy Stuart Monk / Shutterstock.com You could guess by looking at this breed that it’s one of the tallest in the species. You probably wouldn’t guess it’s one of the least aggressive. Actually, the fact that wolfhounds get along so well with everyone is what makes them poor guard dogs but excellent family dogs.

These hounds got star treatment in the 2013 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade as they walked with the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Troops with the 69th have lead the parade since 1851. Mastiff

Question: Known as the Gentle Giant, name the breed of dog that is recognized as the tallest of all dogs?
Answer: Irish Wolfhound